The effect of health belief on participation of the official administrative personnel in colorectal cancer screening programs in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences: 2004

Abstract

Background

Success of screening programs depends on the people belief toward the importance and necessityof these programs . This study was conducted to determine the effect of health belief on participation of official administrative personnel of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences with an average risk (age: 40 years) for colorectal cancer in fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

Materials and Methods

In this sub experimental study 156 subjects were selected using a random cluster sampling and divided randomly into two grous of experimental and control (n=78 for each). In the first stage, the level of knowledge, status of willingness and barriers related to participation in screening program were examined in each of two groups. The intervention program was done according to the health belief model for the experimental group. then , 3 stool samples in different times for checking occult blood were collected from the subjects who attended the laboratory. The results were then reported to them. The level of awareness was re-examined by a questionnaire after 3 months. Comparison of level of knowledge and participation before and after intervention was implemented.

Results

In the two groups studied, only 19 subject (12%) believed in screening programs. Lack of time in 53 subjects (58%) and lack of awareness in 49 (53%) were the most common barriers

for participation in screening programs (FOBT). In each of two groups, 8 subjects (5/2%) were aware of CRC and screening programs. The mean level of awareness changed from1/192 in the first stage of the study to 11/166(P<0.001). 64 subjects (82%) in the experimental group and 11 (14%) from the control group participated in the implementation of FOBT (P=0/001).

Conclusions

Application of the health belief model can significantly increase the level of awareness and participation in screening programs.